Owais Crawford
Many pregnant women worry about the safety of airport security scanners and the potential harm they could cause to their unborn child. While some sources claim that airport scanners are safe for pregnant women, others advise against it, citing potential risks to the baby's health. Pregnant travellers can opt for a physical 'pat-down' search instead of passing through the scanner, although this may be more invasive and time-consuming. The level of radiation exposure from airport scanners is a key concern, with some sources claiming it is safe and others suggesting it may cause developmental issues in the baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Generally considered safe for pregnant women, but some sources advise caution |
| Radiation Type | Non-ionizing radiation (low energy, does not penetrate the skin) |
| Alternative | Pat-down by a female officer, which may be thorough and involve removing/loosening clothing |
| Metal Detectors | Considered safe, but some sources claim they emit more radiation than body scanners |
| X-Ray Scanners | Not recommended for pregnant women, but airport X-ray scanners are different and considered safe |
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What You'll Learn
Airport scanners are safe for pregnant women
Pregnant women can go through airport security checks without fear. Airport scanners are generally safe for pregnant women and their foetuses, with no known risks. The scanners use low-intensity rays that do not penetrate the skin and cause no harm to the foetus.
Types of Airport Scanners
There are two types of airport scanners: millimeter-wave scanners and x-ray backscatter scanners. Both types of scanners are safe for pregnant women. The majority of airports use millimeter-wave scanners, which use non-ionizing radiation, the same type of radiation emitted by cell phones and other communication devices. This type of radiation is lower energy and does not reach far inside the body, so it is not powerful enough to damage cells.
Alternative Options
Despite the safety of airport scanners for pregnant women, some may still feel uncomfortable using them. In such cases, you can request a physical 'pat-down' search, where a female security officer will run her hands along your body, especially your breasts and belly, to check for any prohibited items. However, it is important to note that this alternative may be more invasive and take a longer time.
Additional Precautions
If you are pregnant and planning to fly, it is recommended to contact your airline beforehand as different airlines may have varying policies regarding flying during pregnancy. Additionally, you can check what type of scanner is used at your local airport to better understand the technology and any associated risks, which are minimal in the case of airport scanners.
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Metal detectors are also considered safe
Metal detectors are considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. The exposure levels are low and do not cause any harm to the fetus. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) confirms that security scanners are safe and pose no known risks to pregnant women or their fetuses.
The low-level exposure from metal detectors is comparable to radiofrequency waves used by cell phones and other communication devices. These radio waves are a type of non-ionizing radiation, which is the least harmful type of radiation. Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to damage the cells of the average adult or fetus.
Additionally, the emissions from these devices are third-party verified and scrutinized, including by the FDA, ensuring that the levels are much lower than those from other commonly used devices.
While some pregnant women may still prefer to opt for a physical 'pat-down' search instead of passing through metal detectors, it is important to note that this alternative may involve removing or loosening some clothing. This option is available for those who have safety concerns or feel uncomfortable with the scanners.
Ultimately, the decision to use a metal detector or opt for a pat-down search while pregnant is a personal one. It is understandable that some pregnant women may feel more comfortable with a pat-down, even though metal detectors are considered safe.
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Full-body scanners use non-ionizing radiation
There are varying opinions on the safety of airport scanners for pregnant women. While some sources claim that airport scanning procedures using metal detectors are safe for pregnant women, others suggest requesting a physical 'pat-down' search instead. The latter is a more invasive procedure and may require removing or loosening clothing.
Full-body scanners, which started supplementing metal detectors at airports in 2007, use non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves. This technology, known as millimeter-wave technology, operates using electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high frequency (EHF) radio band. The waves have a penetration depth of about one millimeter, passing through clothing but reflecting off the skin. This allows the scanners to detect non-metal objects, including those swallowed or hidden in body cavities, without using ionizing radiation that can penetrate the skin and potentially damage DNA.
The safety of millimeter-wave scanners has been a topic of debate, with critics arguing that radiation-based scanning machines can expose individuals to excessive radiation despite safety precautions. However, several radiation safety authorities, including the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, The Health Physics Society, and the American College of Radiology, have stated that they are unaware of any evidence that full-body scans are unsafe. The European Commission's report also concluded that backscatter X-ray scanners, which use ionizing radiation, pose no known health risks, but recommended using millimeter-wave scanners when available as they have fewer effects on the human body.
Health Canada has assessed millimeter-wave scanners and concluded that they are safe within Canada's guidelines for human exposure. The United States also mandated that all full-body scanners in airports use "Automated Target Recognition" software to replace nude body images with cartoon-like representations. This led to the removal of backscatter X-ray machines from airports by May 2013.
While the health risks of millimeter-wave scanners are still being studied, there is no proven adverse effect of these scanners. Thomas S. Tenforde, president of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, stated in 2010 that while these scanners are likely within safe bounds, more verification of their safety for frequent use is needed. Ultimately, the decision to use a full-body scanner or opt for a pat-down during pregnancy is a personal choice, and individuals can make an informed decision based on available research and recommendations from trusted sources.
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Requesting a pat-down is an option
The decision to opt for a pat-down instead of the scanner is a personal one. Some pregnant women may feel more comfortable with the pat-down option, even if they know the scanners are generally considered safe. Others may find the idea of a pat-down uncomfortable and prefer to go through the scanner. It is important to note that the radiation levels from airport scanners are much lower than those from other sources, such as cell phones, and are considered safe for pregnant women and their fetuses.
The experience of requesting a pat-down may vary depending on the airport and the individual staff members. Some airports may be more accommodating of such requests, while others may be less familiar with the option. It is always a good idea to contact the airport or the airline beforehand to inquire about their procedures and express any concerns or preferences. This can help ensure that pregnant women feel safe and respected during the security screening process.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there are different types of airport scanners, and the concerns about radiation exposure may be more relevant for certain types. Millimeter-wave scanners, which are commonly used in US airports, use non-ionizing radiation, which is the same type of radiation produced by cell phones and radios. Backscatter X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use low-intensity ionizing radiation, which can penetrate clothing but does not penetrate the skin. While both types of scanners are generally considered safe for pregnant women, some may feel more comfortable opting for a pat-down when encountering the latter type.
Ultimately, the decision to request a pat-down instead of going through the airport scanner is a personal choice for pregnant women. While airport scanners are deemed safe, addressing individual concerns and providing options can help ensure a more comfortable and respectful travel experience for expectant mothers. Pregnant women should feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health and well-being during their pregnancy journey.
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Experiences may vary depending on the airport
The variation in experiences across airports can be attributed to different security protocols, interpretations of guidelines, and the availability of resources. Some airports might prioritize certain screening methods, such as metal detectors or full-body scanners, while others might be more accommodating of pat-down requests. Additionally, the availability of female security officers, who typically perform pat-downs for pregnant passengers, may influence the consistency of this option across airports.
It is important to recognize that while some passengers may feel anxious about the potential risks of airport scanners on their pregnancies, these devices are generally considered safe. Metal detectors operate at low levels that are safe for everyone, including pregnant women, as confirmed by sources such as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Full-body scanners, including millimeter-wave scanners and x-ray backscatter scanners, are also deemed safe for pregnant individuals by organizations like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and medical professionals.
Despite the assurances of safety, pregnant passengers should feel empowered to make decisions that align with their comfort levels. If you have concerns about the scanners, you can always request a pat-down instead. However, it is essential to be prepared for potential delays or slight inconveniences, as the availability of staff for pat-downs may vary across airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport scanners are generally considered safe for pregnant women. The two types of airport scanners are millimeter-wave scanners and x-ray backscatter scanners, both of which use low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin and is not harmful to the foetus.
If you are concerned about the safety of airport scanners, you can opt for a physical 'pat-down' search instead. This involves a female security officer running her hands along your body to check for any prohibited items.
Before passing through the scanner, you will be asked to remove all personal items, including wallets, phones, jewellery, jackets, and shoes. You will then step into the scanner device and raise your hands above your head for 2-3 seconds while an image is captured.
No, there are no known risks associated with airport scanners for pregnant women or their fetuses. The radiation emitted by these devices is much lower than that of a cell phone and is regulated by organizations like the FDA and CDC.
Experiences vary among pregnant travellers. Some opt for a pat-down search due to safety concerns, while others feel comfortable going through the scanner after verifying its safety. It is recommended to contact your airline before travelling to understand their specific policies and procedures.
